The night I served this sauce, one of my guests walked through my door and said, “It smells like an Italian restaurant in here!” When you have a pot of this meaty, succulent sauce simmering on your stove, you’re house can’t help but smell delicious. My sister’s mother-in-law, Carrie, graciously shared her spaghetti sauce recipe … Continue reading
Category Archives: Downhome
Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
I just love recipes like this. Simple ingredients and mouthwatering results! Slow cooking these pork chops on low heat results in some seriously tender, juicy chops. Every time I serve this, people ask for seconds. Add some mashed potatoes and veggies and there’s dinner. Let me introduce you to the epitome of good old-fashioned, stick-to-your-ribs, … Continue reading
Southern Biscuit Muffins
Little biscuit miracles. That’s how I think of these biscuit/muffin hybrids. You don’t have to roll them out, and for the most part, they can be made ahead. Yes! It’s true! Crispy and buttery on the outside and soft and puffy on the inside, these biscuits are PERFECT. You want to eat them while they … Continue reading
Buttery Bread Machine Dinner Rolls
Scenario: You are having a dinner party, and you have everything planned, but the bread. Homemade bread would put the menu over the top. But who has time? And what if you kill the yeast? What if you don’t knead the dough just right? Before you give up on the idea of hot, fresh, homemade … Continue reading
Winter Minestrone
This delicious, hearty soup is guaranteed to warm up your weekend! Often, I find minestrone watery and bland. Not this one. You’ve got all the wonderful veggies,the earthy rosemary and the Parmesan rind that adds an extra salty kick. I love the bean puree in this too. It gives the soup a little creaminess, without cream! … Continue reading
Best-Ever Chicken Pot Pie
If you are looking for a way to use up any leftover roast turkey or chicken, this is THE way to do it. This chicken pot pie is by far the best one I have ever made! Fresh thyme is a must here. It really adds that extra depth of flavor. Between the flaky crust … Continue reading
Texas Chili
My family and I LOVE Texas Chili. It’s savory and spicy and meaty. And it’s one of those few mysterious meals that may actually taste better the second day. Texas Chili is also very simple. Once you are done throwing everything into a big pot, it simmers for hours. This leaves you time to get … Continue reading
Secret Warm Bacon Salad
In honor of Mother’s Day, I wanted to share a tradition from my Mother’s family. Here is my my Mom and I. Happy Mother’s Day Mom! This salad has appeared at nearly every Hogan family gathering since long before I was born. And I’m sure it will be served for many more years to come. … Continue reading
Yes I Can, Babyback Ribs
For most of my life, ribs have seemed out of my reach. They were the domain of barbecue joints or the local smokehouse. How could a home cook replicate eight hours in a specialty smoker with mesquite chips smoldering away? Well, last week, that all changed. I found a way to make ribs that are … Continue reading